 
Water Damage
Water damage arises from fire
damage, broken pipes, blocked
drains, malfunctioning appliances,
storms, and other causes. the
appropriate treatment depends
on the nature of the damage.
Some water carries contminants
and should be considered hazardous
(see Sewage
and Flood Damage). Whatever
the origin, the prospects for
restoration depend largely on
the speed with which your building
and personal property can be
dried. Even clean water can
generate mildew and other bacterial
growth if neglected.
Do...
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Ventilate wet areas.
Turn on air conditioning
for accelerated drying
in summer; in winter alternate
cycles of opened windows
and heating.
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Remove standing water
from flat surfaces by
sponging and blotting.
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Take up saturated rugs
and carpets when hardwood
floors are at risk.
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Stay out of rooms where
ceilings are sagging from
retained water.
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Transport computers to
a dry environment, remove
cases and blow dry with
low pressure air.
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Remove lamps, telephones
and decorative items from
wet furniture tops.
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Open drawers and cabinet
doors for interior drying,
but do not force open
stuck drawers or doors.
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Freeze valuable books
and documents to retard
mildew growth until drying
can be performed.
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Place aluminum foil squares,
china saucers or wood
blocks under furniture
legs to avoid carpet staining.
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Do Not...
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Operate TVs, vacuums
or other appliances while
standing on wet carpet
or floors, especially
not on wet concrete floors.
Serious injury may result.
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Use heat to dry closed
building interiors; mildew
and expanded moisture
damage may result.
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Leave wet fabrics in
place; space them apart
and dry as soon as possible.
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